During a work session held last week, Williamston Town Council heard preliminary information about several new items that will be on the agenda next week including proposed zoning changes for two proposed duplex developments and related sewer infrastructure.
Council also heard updates on a number of ongoing projects including Greenville Drive property, the old hospital building, Medshore building lease, two subdivisions, Mineral Spring trail expansion and improvements to the Municipal Center Auditorium.
Debbie Chapman (Town Codes/Community Liaison/Zoning) presented information about a zoning request and annexation of two properties located on Brown Street. One of the properties is located inside the town limits. The two properties would be combined into one lot and then split to allow construction of two duplexes. Chapman said the proposed development would be beneficial by providing affordable housing in Williamston and would contribute to the tax base for the town.
If approved by the planning commission and council, the property would be zoned R3 to allow for the duplexes. The properties are owned by Tommy Ellison and Rockey Burgess. Burgess said he would not be involved in any decision made by the planning commission or council regarding the properties. He also said the request for the property to be brought into the town, and allowance of duplexes, would offer affordable rental housing in Williamston.
The property formerly had three mobile home trailers on them. The requests were to be discussed by the Planning Commission Tuesday and their recommendation will be presented to Council at their meeting Monday.
Chapman said a developer of property on Hwy. 77, that was annexed into the town last year, has also made a request to rezone to allow for duplexes. The property would be rezoned from RC to R3. Mayor Burgess said sewer would need to be made available and that a lift station would be needed to pump to a sewer line on Parker Street.
Council will also entertain a zoning ordinance amendment for RC – Core Commercial regarding vape, tobacco and liquor stores. The amendment would be in compliance with SC laws and address distance required from a children’s playground or school (1000 ft) and distance of at least 3000 ft from a similar business.
The Town’s land use map will also be changed to reflect any of the zoning changes being proposed.
Williamston Police Chief Kevin Marsee updated Council on staffing in the police department. Chief Marsee said the department is currently down one full time officer, has one officer out on medical leave and one attending the Police Academy. He explained the hiring situation regarding starting pay for Williamston and other agencies that are competing for officers.
Town Attorney Rame Campbell updated Council on the status of the Greenville Drive property purchase that ran into a number of problems last year. One of the three properties the Town purchased, or thought they had, is still in dispute. The Town paid the property owner for the property, however a lost or missing deed has created an ongoing situation regarding the status of the deal. Campbell said he has talked to the property owner’s attorney David Clark about resolving the situation, however the conditions are “unreasonable”. He said the issue will go to a hearing in six to eight months and will be decided by a Master in Equity judge.
The Town is also in the process of obtaining ownership of the old Williamston hospital property on Williams Street. After serving as the Williamston Youth Academy from 2016 to 2018, the owners of the group home for teens relinquished their group home license and closed the facility.
It was purchased by an investor, Williamston Center LLC and a number of renovations were made, however the new owner failed to pay property taxes and the property went through the Anderson County Tax Sale process in Oct. 2022. The delinquent taxes were not paid and the property was not redeemed, resulting in it being forfeited to Anderson County. The County has since offered the property to the Town and the Town is in the process of obtaining a clear title, Campbell said.
Council also briefly discussed a lease agreement with MedShore Ambulance for town owned property on Anderson Drive. MedShore is at the end of a three year lease and is currently paying $1000 monthly for use of the building. Mayor Burgess said the lease amount should be increased. The Town attorney will be in negotiations with the ambulance service about the lease agreement.
Campbell also updated Council on a proposed subdivision development on Mahaffey Road.
In 2020, Council approved an agreement with Scout Development LLC making 32.74 acres available for a residential development. Under the agreement, a site plan had to be approved by the town planning commission and then town council for the project to move forward. At this time, a site plan has not been approved by the planning commission.
Under the agreement, which gives the town property to the developer, any undeveloped property as of Oct. 1, 2023 was to revert back to the town. No construction has taken place on the property.
Mayor Burgess said the Town needs to consider a false alarm ordinance to address ongoing problems at several businesses. The Town already has an ordinance addressing false fire alarms. Attorney Campbell will look at the current ordinance and make suggestions.
Burgess also stated that six heating and air units at the Municipal Center Auditorium will need to be replaced soon.
Mayor Burgess also stated that the Town is looking at proposals for new playground equipment for Mineral Spring Park and Brookdale Park. The town is also looking at options for a new shelter at Brookdale Park, he said. The Mayor said he is requesting $1 million in PARD funding from the State for the projects. The request was made through House District 9 Representative Anne Thayer and Senator Mike Gambrell.
Burgess said the Town has also applied for a Phase IV sewer grant to help with sewer infrastructure upgrades.
Williamston Town Council will meet Monday at 6 p.m.
